Mobile electric power generation for hydraulic fracturing of subsurface geological formations

ABSTRACT

Providing mobile electric power comprising a power generation transport configured to convert hydrocarbon fuel to electricity and an inlet and exhaust transport configured to: couple to at least one side of the power generation transport such that the inlet and exhaust transport is not connected to a top side of the power generation transport, provide ventilation air and combustion air to the power generation transport, collect exhaust air from the power generation transport, and filter the exhaust air.

BACKGROUND

Hydraulic fracturing has been commonly used by the oil and gas industryto stimulate production of hydrocarbon wells, such as oil and/or gaswells. Hydraulic fracturing, sometimes called “fracing” or “fracking” isthe process of injecting fracturing fluid, which is typically a mixtureof water, sand, and chemicals, into the subsurface to fracture thesubsurface geological formations and release otherwise encapsulatedhydrocarbon reserves. The fracturing fluid is typically pumped into awellbore at a relatively high pressure sufficient to cause fissureswithin the underground geological formations. Specifically, once insidethe wellbore, the pressurized fracturing fluid is pressure pumped downand then out into the subsurface geological formation to fracture theunderground formation. A fluid mixture that may include water, variouschemical additives, and proppants (e.g., sand or ceramic materials) canbe pumped into the underground formation to fracture and promote theextraction of the hydrocarbon reserves, such as oil and/or gas. Forexample, the fracturing fluid may comprise a liquid petroleum gas,linear gelled water, gelled water, gelled oil, slick water, slick oil,poly emulsion, foam/emulsion, liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen gas(N₂), and/or binary fluid and acid.

Implementing large-scale fracturing operations at well sites typicallyrequires extensive investment in equipment, labor, and fuel. Forinstance, a typical fracturing operation uses a variety of fracturingequipment, numerous personnel to operate and maintain the fracturingequipment, relatively large amounts of fuel to power the fracturingoperations, and relatively large volumes of fracturing fluids. As such,planning for fracturing operations is often complex and encompasses avariety of logistical challenges that include minimizing the on-sitearea or “footprint” of the fracturing operations, providing adequatepower and/or fuel to continuously power the fracturing operations,increasing the efficiency of the hydraulic fracturing equipment, andreducing any environmental impact resulting from fracturing operations.Thus, numerous innovations and improvements of existing fracturingtechnology are needed to address the variety of complex and logisticalchallenges faced in today's fracturing operations.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subjectmatter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of thesubject matter disclosed herein. This summary is not an exhaustiveoverview of the technology disclosed herein. It is not intended toidentify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate thescope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts ina simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that isdiscussed later.

In one embodiment, a system for providing mobile electric power, thesystem comprising: a gas turbine generator transport that comprises aninlet plenum and an exhaust collector and an inlet and exhaust transportcoupled to the gas turbine generator transport and comprises an airinlet filter housing and an exhaust stack, wherein the inlet and exhausttransport is coupled to at least one side of the gas turbine generatortransport such that the inlet plenum and the exhaust collector are notconnected to the air filter housing and the exhaust stack at the topside of the gas turbine generator transport.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for providing mobile electric powercomprising: a power generation transport configured to converthydrocarbon fuel to electricity and an inlet and exhaust transportcoupled to the gas turbine generator, wherein the inlet and exhausttransport is configured to: provide ventilation air and filteredcombustion air to the power generation transport, collect exhaust airfrom the power generation transport, wherein the power generationtransport and the inlet and exhaust transport is coupled to at least oneside of the power generation transport such that the inlet and exhausttransport is not connected to the top side of the power generationtransport.

In another embodiment, a method for providing mobile electric power, themethod comprising: converting a mobile source of electricity thatcomprises a power generation transport and an inlet and exhausttransport from transportation mode to operation mode, coupling the powergeneration transport with an inlet and exhaust transport using one ormore expansion connections, wherein the power generation transport andthe inlet and exhaust transport is coupled to at least one side of thepower generation transport such that the inlet and exhaust transport isnot connected to the top side of the power generation transport, andgenerating electricity using the mobile source of electricity to powerfracturing operations for one or more well sites.

In another embodiment, a system for pumping and pressurizing fracturingfluid, the system comprising: a source of electric power and afracturing pump transport coupled to the source of the electric powercomprising: a dual shaft electric prime mover that comprises a shaftthat protrudes at opposite sides of the dual shaft electric prime mover,a first pump coupled to a first end of the shaft, and a second pumpcoupled to a second end of the shaft.

In another embodiment, a fracturing pump transport comprising: a firstpump configured to pressurize and pump fracturing fluid, a second pumpconfigured to pressurize and pump the fracturing fluid, and a dual shaftelectric motor comprises a shaft and configured to receive electricpower from a power source and drive in parallel, both the first pump andthe second pump with the shaft.

In another embodiment, a method for pumping and pressurizing fracturingfluid, the method comprising: receiving electric power to power a dualshaft electric prime mover at a fracturing pump transport, receivingfracturing fluid at the fracturing pump transport from one or moreelectric blenders, driving in parallel a plurality of pumps of thefracturing pump transport using the dual shaft electric prime mover topressurize fracturing fluid, and pumping the pressurized fluid from thefracturing pump transport into a wellhead.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is nowmade to the following brief description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like referencenumerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a well site, wherevarious embodiments may operate within.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram an embodiment of a well site that includesa mobile source of electricity that comprises three transports for amobile fracturing system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram an embodiment of a well site that includestwo wellheads and two data vans.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gas turbinegenerator transport.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gas turbinegenerator transport.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inlet and exhausttransport.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inlet and exhausttransport.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inlet and exhausttransport that includes a sliding air inlet filter housing.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the two transportmobile electric power source when in operational mode.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a fracturing pumptransport powered by the mobile source of electricity.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a fracturing pumptransport powered by the mobile source of electricity.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a blender transportthat includes an electric blender.

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a blender transportthat includes an electric blender.

FIG. 9A of an embodiment of a blender transport that includes anelectric blender with enclosed mixer hoppers.

FIG. 9B of an embodiment of a blender transport that includes anelectric blender with enclosed mixer hoppers.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a control networksystem used to monitor, control, and communicate with a variety ofcontrol systems located at one or more well sites.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method to provide a mobilesource of electricity for fracturing operations.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method to pump fracturingfluid into a wellhead.

While certain embodiments will be described in connection with theillustrative embodiments shown herein, the invention is not limited tothose embodiments. On the contrary, all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents are included within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the claims. In the drawing figures, which are not to scale,the same reference numerals are used throughout the description and inthe drawing figures for components and elements having the samestructure, and primed reference numerals are used for components andelements having a similar function and construction to those componentsand elements having the same unprimed reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “transport” refers to any transportationassembly, including, but not limited to, a trailer, truck, skid, and/orbarge used to transport relatively heavy structures, such as fracturingequipment.

As used herein, the term “trailer” refers to a transportation assemblyused to transport relatively heavy structures, such as fracturingequipment that can be attached and/or detached from a transportationvehicle used to pull or move the trailer. In one embodiment, the trailermay include the mounts and manifold systems to connect the trailer toother fracturing equipment within a fracturing system or fleet.

As used herein, the term “lay-down trailer” refers to a trailer thatincludes two sections with different vertical heights. One of thesections or the upper section is positioned at or above the traileraxles and another section or the lower section is positioned at or belowthe trailer axles. In one embodiment the main trailer beams of thelay-down trailer may be resting on the ground when in operational modeand/or when uncoupled from a transportation vehicle, such as a tractor.

As used herein, the term “gas turbine generator” refers to both the gasturbine and the generator sections of a gas-turbine generator transport.The gas turbine generator receives hydrocarbon fuel, such as naturalgas, and converts the hydrocarbon fuel into electricity.

As used herein, the term “inlet plenum” may be interchanged andgenerally referred to as “inlet”, “air intake,” and “intake plenum,”throughout this disclosure. Additionally, the term “exhaust collector”may be interchanged throughout and generally referred to as “exhaustdiffuser” and “exhaust plenum” throughout this disclosure.

As used herein, the term “gas turbine inlet filter” may be interchangedand generally referred to as “inlet filter” and “inlet filter assembly.”The term “air inlet filter housing” may also be interchanged andgenerally referred to as “filter housing” and “air filter assemblyhousing” throughout this disclosure. Furthermore, the term “exhauststack” may also be interchanged and generally referred to as “turbineexhaust stack” throughout this disclosure.

Various example embodiments are disclosed herein that provide mobileelectric fracturing operations for one or more well sites. To providefracturing operations, a mobile source of electricity may be configuredto provide electric power to a variety of fracturing equipment locatedat the well sites. The mobile source of electricity may be implementedusing at least two transports to reduce its “footprint” at a site. Onetransport, the power generation transport, may comprise a gas turbineand generator along with ancillary equipment that supplies electricpower to the well sites. For example, the power generation transport mayproduce electric power in the ranges of about 15-35 megawatt (MW) whenproviding electric power to a single well site. A second transport, theinlet and exhaust transport, may comprise one or more gas turbine inletair filters and a gas turbine exhaust stack. The power generationtransport and the inlet and exhaust transport may be arranged such thatthe inlet and exhaust are connected at the side of the gas turbineenclosure rather than through the top of the gas turbine enclosure. Inone embodiment, the mobile source of electricity may comprise a thirdsupplemental transport, an auxiliary gas turbine generator transport,that provides power to ignite, start, or power on the power generationtransport and/or provide ancillary power where peak electric powerdemand exceeds the electric power output of the gas turbine generatortransport. The auxiliary gas turbine generator transport may comprise asmaller gas turbine generator than the one used in the power generationtransport (e.g., provides about 1-8 MW of electric power).

Also disclosed herein are various example embodiments of implementingmobile fracturing operations using a fracturing pump transport thatcomprises a dual shaft electric motor configured to drive at least twopumps. The dual shaft electric motor may be an electric motor configuredto operate within a desired mechanical power range, such as about 1,500horsepower (HP) to about 10,000 HP. Each of the pumps may be configuredto operate within a desired mechanical power range, such as about 1,500HP to about 5,000 HP, to discharge fracturing fluid at relatively highpressures (e.g., about 10,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)). In oneembodiment, the pumps may be plunger-style pumps that comprise one ormore plungers to generate the high-pressure fracturing fluid. Thefracturing pump transport may mount and couple the dual shaft electricmotor to the pumps using sub-assemblies that isolate and allow operatorsto remove the pumps and/or the dual shaft electric motor individuallyand without disconnecting the fracturing pump transport from the mobilefracturing system.

The disclosure also includes various example embodiments of a controlnetwork system that monitors and controls one or more hydraulicfracturing equipment remotely. The different fracturing equipment, whichinclude, but are not limited to, a blender, hydration unit, sandhandling equipment, chemical additive system, and the mobile source ofelectricity, may be configured to operate remotely using a networktopology, such as an Ethernet ring topology network. The control networksystem may remove implementing control stations located on and/or inclose proximity to the fracturing equipment. Instead, a designatedlocation, such as a data van and/or a remote location away from thevicinity of the fracturing equipment may remotely control the hydraulicfracturing equipment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram an embodiment of a well site 100 thatcomprises a wellhead 101 and a mobile fracturing system 103. Generally,a mobile fracturing system 130 may perform fracturing operations tocomplete a well and/or transform a drilled well into a production well.For example, the well site 100 may be a site where operators are in theprocess of drilling and completing a well. Operators may start the wellcompletion process with vertical drilling, running production casing,and cementing within the wellbore. The operators may also insert avariety of downhole tools into the wellbore and/or as part of a toolstring used to drill the wellbore. After the operators drill the well toa certain depth, a horizontal portion of the well may also be drilledand subsequently encased in cement. The operators may be subsequentlypack the rig, and a mobile fracturing system 103 may be moved onto thewell site 100 to perform fracturing operations that force relativelyhigh pressure fracturing fluid through wellhead 101 into subsurfacegeological formations to create fissures and cracks within the rock. Thefracturing system 103 may be moved off the well site 100 once theoperators complete fracturing operations. Typically, fracturingoperations for well site 100 may last several days.

To provide an environmentally cleaner and more transportable fracturingfleet, the mobile fracturing system 103 may comprise a mobile source ofelectricity 102 configured to generate electricity by convertinghydrocarbon fuel, such as natural gas, obtained from one or more othersources (e.g., a producing wellhead) at well site 100, from a remoteoffsite location, and/or another relatively convenient location near themobile source of electricity 102. Improving mobility of the mobilefracturing system 103 may be beneficial because fracturing operations ata well site typically last for several days and the fracturing equipmentis subsequently removed from the well site after completing fracturingoperation. Rather than using fuel that significantly impacts air quality(e.g., diesel fuel) as a source of power and/or receiving electric powerfrom a grid or other type of stationary power generation facility (e.g.,located at the well site or offsite), the mobile fracturing system 103utilizes a mobile source of electricity 102 as a power source that burnscleaner while being transportable along with other fracturing equipment.The generated electricity from mobile source of electricity 102 may besupplied to fracturing equipment to power fracturing operations at oneor more well sites. As shown in FIG. 1 , the mobile source ofelectricity 102 may be implemented using two transports in order toreduce the well site footprint and the ability for operators to move themobile source of electricity 102 to different well sites and/ordifferent fracturing jobs. Details regarding implementing the mobilesource of electricity 102 are discussed in more detail in FIGS. 4A-6 .

The mobile source of electricity 102 may supply electric power tofracturing equipment within the mobile fracturing system 103 that mayinclude, but are not limited to at least one switch gear transport 112,a plurality of drive power transports 104, at least one auxiliary powertransport 106, at least one blender transport 110, at least one data van114 and a plurality of fracturing pump transports 108 that deliverfracturing fluid through wellhead 101 to subsurface geologicalformations. The switch gear transport 112 may receive the electricitygenerated from the mobile source of electric power 102 via one or moreelectrical connections. In one embodiment, the switch gear transport 112may use 13.8 kilovolts (KV) electrical connections to receive power fromthe mobile source of electric power 102. The switch gear transport 112may comprise a plurality of electrical disconnect switches, fuses,transformers, and/or circuit protectors to protect the fracturingequipment. The switch gear transport 112 may transfer the electricityreceived from the mobile source of electricity 102 to the drive powertransports 104 and auxiliary power transports 106.

The auxiliary power transport 106 may comprise a transformer and acontrol system to control, monitor, and provide power to theelectrically connected fracturing equipment. In one embodiment, theauxiliary power transport 106 may receive the 13.8 KV electricalconnection and step down the voltage to 4.8 KV, which is provided toother fracturing equipment, such as the fracturing pump transport 108,the blender transport 110, sand storage and conveyor, hydrationequipment, chemical equipment, data van 114, lighting equipment, and anyadditional auxiliary equipment used for the fracturing operations. Theauxiliary power transport 106 may step down the voltage to 4.8 KV ratherthan other voltage levels, such as 600 V, in order to reduce cable sizefor the electrical connections and the amount of cabling used to connectthe mobile fracturing system 103. The control system may be configuredto connect to a control network system such that the auxiliary powertransport 106 may be monitored and/or controlled from a distantlocation, such as the data van 114 or some other type of control center.

The drive power transports 104 may be configured to monitor and controlone or more electrical motors located on the fracturing pump transports108 via a plurality of connections, such as electrical connections(e.g., copper wires), fiber optics, wireless, and/or combinationsthereof. The connections are omitted from FIG. 1 for clarity of thedrawing. The drive power transports 104 may be part of the controlnetwork system, where each of the drive power transports 104 compriseone or more variable frequency drives (VFDs) used to monitor and controlthe prime movers on the fracturing pump transports 108. The controlnetwork system may communicate with each of the drive power transports104 to monitor and/or control each of the VFDs. The VFDs may beconfigured to control the speed and torque of the prime movers byvarying the input frequency and voltage to the prime movers. Using FIG.1 as an example, each of the drive power transports 104 may beconfigured to drive a plurality of the fracturing pump transports 108.Other drive power transport to fracturing pump transport ratios may beused as desired. In one embodiment, the drive power transports 104 maycomprise air filters and blowers that intake ambient air to cool theVFDs. Other embodiments of the drive power transports 104 may use an airconditioning units and/or water cooling to regulate the temperature ofthe VFDs.

The fracturing pump transport 108 may receive the electric powerreceived from the drive power transport 104 to power a prime mover. Theprime mover converts electric power to mechanical power for driving oneor more pumps. In one embodiment, the prime mover may be a dual shaftelectric motor that drives two different pumps. The fracturing pumptransport 108 may be arranged such that one pump is coupled to oppositeends of the dual shaft electric motor and avoids coupling the pumps inseries. By avoiding coupling the pump in series, the fracturing pumptransport 108 may continue to operate when either one of the pumps failsor have been removed from the fracturing pump transport 108.Additionally, repairs to the pumps may be performed withoutdisconnecting the system manifolds that connect the fracturing pumptransport 108 to other fracturing equipment within the mobile fracturingsystem 103 and wellhead 101. Details regarding implementing thefracturing pump transport 108 are discussed in more detail in FIGS.7A-7B.

The blender transport 110 may receive the electric power fed through theauxiliary power transport 106 to power a plurality of electric blenders.A plurality of prime movers may drive one or more pumps that pump sourcefluid and blender additives (e.g., sand) into a blending tub, mix thesource fluid and blender additives together to form fracturing fluid,and discharge the fracturing fluid to the fracturing pump transport 108.In one embodiment, the electric blender may be a dual configurationblender that comprises electric motors for the rotating machinery thatare located on a single transport, which is described in more detail inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0255734, filed Apr. 6, 2012by Todd Coli et al. and entitled “Mobile, Modular, Electrically PoweredSystem for use in Fracturing Underground Formations,” which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety. In another embodiment, aplurality of enclosed mixer hoppers may be used to supply the proppantsand additives into a plurality of blending tubs. The electric blenderthat comprises the enclosed mixer hoppers are discussed in more detailin FIGS. 9A and 9B.

The data van 114 may be part of a control network system, where the datavan 114 acts as a control center configured to monitor and provideoperating instructions in order remotely operate the blender transport110, the mobile source of electricity 102, and fracturing pump transport108 and/or other fracturing equipment within the mobile fracturingsystem 103. For example, the data van 114 may communicate via thecontrol network system with the VFDs located within the drive powertransports 104 that operate and monitor the health of the electricmotors used to drive the pumps on the fracturing pump transports 108. Inone embodiment, the data van 114 may communicate with the variety offracturing equipment using a control network system that has a ringtopology. A ring topology may reduce the amount of control cabling usedfor fracturing operations and increase the capacity and speed of datatransfers and communication. Details regarding implementing the controlnetwork system are discussed in more detail in FIG. 10 .

Other fracturing equipment shown in FIG. 1 , such as gas conditioningtransport, water tanks, chemical storage of chemical additives,hydration unit, sand conveyor, and sandbox storage are known by personsof ordinary skill in the art, and therefore are not discussed in furtherdetail. In one or more embodiments of the mobile fracturing system 103,one or more of the other fracturing equipment shown in FIG. 1 may beconfigured to receive power generated from the mobile source ofelectricity 102. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1 , one or moreembodiments of the mobile fracturing system 103 may not include the useof a missile that receives low-pressure fluid and releases high-pressurefluid towards the wellhead 101. The control network system for themobile fracturing system 103 may remotely synchronizes and/or slaves theelectric blender of the blender transport 110 with the electric motorsof the fracturing pump transports 108. Unlike a conventional dieselpowered blender, the electric blenders may perform rate changes to thepump rate change mounted on the fracturing pump transports 108. In otherwords, if the pumps within the fracturing pump transports 108 perform arate change increase, the electric blender within a blender transport110 may also automatically compensate its rate and ancillary equipment,such as the sand conveyor, to accommodate the rate change. Manualcommands from an operator may not be used to perform the rate change.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram an embodiment of a well site 200 thatincludes a mobile source of electricity 204 that comprises threetransports for the mobile fracturing system 202. The mobile fracturingsystem 202 may be substantially similar to mobile fracturing system 103,except that mobile fracturing system comprises an auxiliary gas turbinegenerator transport 206. The auxiliary gas turbine generator transport206 may be configured to provide power to ignite, start, or power on themobile source of electricity 204 and/or provide ancillary power wherepeak electric power demand exceeds the electric power output of a gasturbine generator transport. The auxiliary gas turbine generatortransport may comprise a smaller, gas turbine or diesel generator thatgenerates less power (e.g., provides about 1-8 MW of electric power)than the one used in the gas turbine generator transport. Additionallyor alternatively, the auxiliary gas turbine generator transport 206 mayprovide testing, standby, peaking, and/or other emergency backup powerfunctionality for the mobile fracturing system 202.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the mobile fracturing system 202 arranges andpositions the drive power transport 104 and the auxiliary powertransport 106 in an orientation that is about parallel to the switchgear transport 112 and the fracturing pump transports 108. Positioningthe drive power transport 104 and the auxiliary power transport 106 in aparallel orientation rather than about a perpendicular orientation asshown in FIG. 1 may be beneficial, for example reducing the foot printof the mobile fracturing system 202. Moreover, FIG. 2 also illustratesthat a fuel source 208, such as natural gas from a producing wellhead,may be located at the well site and be used by the mobile source ofelectricity 204 to generate electricity.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a specific configuration for a mobilefracturing system 103 at a well site 100, the disclosure is not limitedto that application and/or the specific embodiment illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2 . For instance, embodiments of the present disclosure mayinclude a plurality of wellheads 101, a plurality of blender transports110, and a plurality of auxiliary power transports 106. Additionally,the mobile source of electricity 102 is not limited for use in afracturing operation and may be applicable to power other types ofequipment and devices not typically used in a fracturing operation. Theuse and discussion of FIGS. 1 and 2 is only an example to facilitateease of description and explanation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram an embodiment of a well site 300 thatincludes two wellheads 101 and two data vans 114. The two data vans 114may be part of the control network system that simultaneously monitorsand provides operating instructions to the two different wellheads 101.An additional blender transport 110 may be added to provide fracturingfluid to fracturing pump transports 108 used to fracture the subsurfacegeological structure underneath the second wellhead 101. Although FIG. 3illustrates that both wellheads 101 are located on the same well site300, other embodiments may have the wellheads 101 located at differentwell sites.

Mobile Source of Electricity

The mobile source of electricity may be part of the mobile fracturingsystem used at a well site as described in FIGS. 1-3 . In other words,the mobile source of electricity may be configured to be transportableto different locations (e.g., different well sites) along with otherfracturing equipment (e.g., fracturing pump transports) that are part ofthe mobile fracturing system and may not be left behind after completingfracturing operations. The mobile source of electricity may include atleast two different transports that improve mobility of the dedicatedelectric power by simplifying and minimizing the operations for themobilization and de-mobilization process. For example, the mobile sourceof electricity may improve mobility by enabling a mobilization andde-mobilization time period of about 24 hours. The mobile source ofelectricity also incorporates a two transport footprint, where the sametwo transport system may be used for transportation and operation modes.Although FIGS. 4A-6 illustrate embodiments of implementing a mobilesource of electricity using two different transports, other embodimentsof the mobile source of electricity may mount the gas turbine generator,air inlet filter housing, gas turbine exhaust stack, and othercomponents shown in FIGS. 4A-6 on a different number of transports(e.g., all on one transport or more than two transports). To provideelectric power for fracturing operations at one or more locations (e.g.,well sites), the mobile source of electricity be designed to unitize andmobilize a gas-turbine and generator adapted to convert hydrocarbonfuel, such as natural gas, into electricity.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the gasturbine generator transport 400. FIG. 4A illustrates a side-profile viewof the gas turbine generator transport 400 with a turbine enclosure 402that surrounds components within the gas turbine generator transport 400and includes cavities for the inlet plenum 404, exhaust collector 406,and an enclosure ventilation inlet 418. FIG. 4B illustrates aside-profile view of the gas turbine generator transport 400 thatdepicts the components within the turbine enclosure 402. As shown inFIG. 4B, the gas turbine generator transport 400 may comprise thefollowing equipment: (1) an inlet plenum 404; (2) a gas turbine 407(e.g., General Electric (GE) 2500); (3) an exhaust collector 406; (4) agenerator 408; (5) a generator breaker 410; and (6) a control system412. Other components not shown in FIG. 4B, but which may also belocated on the gas turbine generator transport 400 include a turbinelube oil system, a fire suppression system, and a generator lube oilsystem.

The gas turbine generator transport 400 includes the gas turbine 407 togenerate mechanical energy (i.e., rotation of a shaft) from ahydrocarbon fuel source, such as natural gas, liquefied natural gas,condensate, and/or other liquid fuels. As shown in FIG. 4B, the gasturbine shaft is connected to the generator 408 such that the generator408 converts the supplied mechanical energy from the rotation of theshaft to produce electric power. The gas turbine 407 may be a gasturbine, such as the GE LM2500 family of gas turbines, the Pratt andWhitney FT8 gas turbines, or any other gas turbine that generates enoughmechanical power for a generator 408 to power fracturing operations atone or more well sites. The generator 408 may be a Brush BDAX 62-170ERgenerator or any other generator configured to generate electric powerfor fracturing operations at one or more well sites. For example, thegas turbine 407 and generator 408 combination within a gas turbinegenerator transport 400 may generate electric power from a range of atleast about 15 megawatt (MW) to about 35 MW. Other types of gas-turbinegenerators with power ranges greater than about 35 MW or less than about15 MW may also be used depending on the amount of power needed at thewell sites. In one embodiment, to increase mobility of the gas turbinegenerator transport 400, the gas turbine 407 may be configured to fitwithin a dimension of about 14.5 feet long and about four feet indiameter and/or the generator 408 may be configured to fit within adimension of about 18 feet long and about 7 feet wide.

The generator 408 may be housed within the turbine enclosure 402 thatincludes air ventilation fans internal to the generator 408 that drawsair into the air inlet located on the front and/or back of the generator408 and discharges air out on the sides via the air outlets 414. Otherembodiments may have the air outlets positioned on different locationsof the enclosure for the generator 408. In one embodiment, the air inletmay be inlet louvres and the air outlets may be outlet louvres thatprotect the generator from the weather elements. A separate generatorventilation stack unit may be mounted on the top of the gas turbinegenerator transport 400.

The turbine enclosure 402 may also comprise gas turbine inlet filter(s)configured to provide ventilation air and combustion air via one or moreinlet plenums 404 to the gas turbine 407. Additionally, enclosureventilation inlets 418 may be added to increase the amount ofventilation air. The ventilation air may be air used to cool the gasturbine 407 and ventilate the gas turbine enclosure 402. The combustionair may be the air that is supplied to the gas turbine 407 to aid in theproduction of the mechanical energy. The inlet plenum 404 may beconfigured to collect the intake air from the gas turbine inlet filterand supply the intake air to the gas turbine. The exhaust collector 406may be configured to collect the air exhaust from the gas turbine andsupply the exhaust air to the gas turbine exhaust stack.

To improve mobility of the gas turbine generator transport 400, the airinlet filter housing and the gas turbine exhaust stack are configured tobe connected from at least one of the sides of the turbine enclosure402, as opposed to connecting both the air inlet filter housing and thegas turbine exhaust stack on the top of the turbine enclosure 402 orconnecting the air inlet filter housing at one end of the gas turbinegenerator transport 400 and connecting the exhaust collector from theside of the turbine enclosure 402. The air inlet filter housing and gasturbine exhaust stack from the inlet and exhaust transport may connectwith the turbine enclosure 402 using one or more expansion connectionsthat extend from one or both of the transports, located at the sides ofthe turbine enclosure 402. Any form of connection may be used thatprovides coupling between the turbine enclosure 402 and the air inletfilter housing and gas turbine exhaust stack without using a crane,forklift, and/or any other external mechanical means to connect theexpansion connections in place and/or to connect the air inlet filterhousing and gas turbine exhaust stack to the side of the turbineenclosure 402. The expansion connections may comprise a duct and/or anexpansion joint to connect the air inlet filter housing and gas turbineexhaust stack to the turbine enclosure 402. Additionally, the routing ofthe air inlet filter housing and gas turbine exhaust stack via the sidesof the turbine enclosure 402 may provide a complete aerodynamic modelingwhere the inlet air flow and the exhaust air flow are used to achievethe gas turbine nameplate output rating. The inlet and exhaust transportis discussed in more detail later in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

To improve mobility over a variety of roadways, the gas turbinegenerator transport 400 in FIGS. 4A and 4B may have a maximum height ofabout 13 feet and 6 inches, a maximum width of about 8 feet and 6inches, and a maximum length of about 66 feet. Further, the gas turbinegenerator transport 400 may comprise at least three axles used tosupport and distribute the weight on the gas turbine generator transport400. Other embodiments of the gas turbine generator transport 400 may betransports that exceed three axles depending on the total transportweight. The dimensions and the number of axles may be adjusted to allowfor the transport over roadways that typically mandate certain height,length, and weight restrictions.

In one embodiment, the gas turbine 407 and generator 408 may be mountedto an engineered transport frame 416, a sub-base, sub-skid, or any othersub-structure used to support the mounting of gas turbine 407 andgenerator 408. The single engineered transport frame may be used toalign the connections between the gas turbine 407, the generator 408,the inlet plenum 404 and the exhaust collector 406 and/or lower the gasturbine and generator by configuring for a flush mount to the singleengineered transport frame 416. The single engineered transport frame416 may allow for easier alignment and connection of the gas turbine 407and generator 408 compared to using separate sub-base for the gasturbine 407 and generator 408. Other embodiments of the gas turbinegenerator transport 400 may use a plurality of sub-bases, for example,mounting the gas turbine 407 on one sub-base and mounting the generator408 on another sub-base.

FIG. 4B illustrates that the generator breaker 410 and control systems412 may be located on the gas turbine generator transport 400. Thegenerator breaker 410 may comprise one or more circuit breakers that areconfigured to protect the generator 408 from current and/or voltagefault conditions. The generator breaker 410 may be a medium voltage (MV)circuit breaker switchboard. In one embodiment, the generator breakermay be about three panels, two for the generator and one for a feederthat protect relays on the circuit breaker. In one embodiment, thegenerator breaker 410 may be vacuum circuit breaker. The control system412 may be configured to control, monitor, regulate, and adjust thepower output of the gas turbine 407 and generator 408. For example, thecontrol system 412 may monitor and balance the load produced by thefracturing operations by generating enough electric power to match theload demands. The control system 412 may also be configured tosynchronize and communicate with a control network system that allows adata van or other computing systems located in a remote location (e.g.,off the well site) to control, monitor, regulate, and adjust poweroutput of the generator 408. Although FIG. 4B illustrates that thegenerator breaker 410 and/or control system 412 may be mounted on thegas turbine generator transport 400, other embodiments of the mobilesource of electricity may mount the generator breaker 410 and/or controlsystem 412 in other locations (e.g. switch gear transport).

Other equipment that may also be located on the gas turbine generatortransport 400, but are not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B include the turbinelube oil system, gas fuel valves, generator lube oil system, and firesuppression system. The lube oil systems or consoles, which generallyrefer to both the turbine lube oil system and generator lube oil systemwithin this disclosure, may be configured to provide a generator andturbine lube oil filtering and cooling systems. In one embodiment, theturbine lube oil console area of the transport may also contain the firesuppression system, which may comprise sprinklers, water mist, cleanagent, foam sprinkler, carbon dioxide, and/or other equipment used tosuppress a fire or provide fire protection for the gas turbine 407. Themounting of the turbine lube oil consoles and the fire suppressionsystem onto the gas turbine generator transport 400 reduces thistransport's footprint by eliminating the need for an auxiliary transportand connections for the turbine and generator lube oil, filtering,cooling systems and the fire suppression system to the gas turbinegenerator transport. The turbine and generator lube oil systems may bemounted on a skid that is located underneath the generator 408 or anyother location on the gas turbine generator transport 400.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of embodiments of an inlet andexhaust transport 500. Specifically, FIG. 5A depicts the inlet andexhaust transport 500 while in transportation mode and FIG. 5B depictsthe inlet and exhaust transport 500 while in operational mode. As shownin FIGS. 5A and 5B, the inlet and exhaust transports 500 include an airinlet filter housing 502 and a gas turbine exhaust stack 504. Althoughnot shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, one or more gas turbine inlet filters andventilation fans may be located within or housed in the air inlet filterhousing 302.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate that the air inlet filter housing 502 may bemounted on the inlet and exhaust transport 500 at a fixed location.Other embodiments of the inlet and exhaust transport 500 may mount theair inlet filter housing 502 with a configuration such that the airinlet filter housing 502 may slide in one or more directions whentransitioning between operational mode and transportation mode. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5C, the air inlet filter housing 502 may slideout for operational mode and slide back for transport mode. Sliding theair inlet filter housing 502 may be used to align the air inlet filterhousing 502 with the inlet plenum of the gas turbine enclosure mountedon the gas turbine generator transport. In another embodiment, the airinlet filter housing 502 may be mounted on a turntable with the abilityto engage the inlet plenum of the gas turbine enclosure mounted on thegas turbine generator transport. The air inlet filter housing 502 maycomprise a plurality of silencers that reduce noise. The differentembodiments for mounting the air inlet filter housing 502 may depend onthe amount of clean air and the air flow dynamics needed to supply thegas turbine for combustion.

The gas turbine exhaust stack 504 may comprise the gas turbine exhaust508, an exhaust extension 506 configured for noise control, and anexhaust end connector 510. The exhaust extension 506 may comprise aplurality of silencers that reduce noise from the inlet and exhausttransport 500. As shown in FIG. 5A, the gas turbine exhaust stack 504may be mounted to initially lie on its side during transportation mode.In operational mode, the gas turbine exhaust stack 504 may be rotated upwithout using external mechanical means such that the gas turbineexhaust stack 504 is mounted to the inlet and exhaust transport 500 onits base and in the upright position. In operational mode, the gasturbine exhaust stack 504 may be positioned using hydraulics,pneumatics, and/or electric motors such that it aligns and connects withthe exhaust end connector 510 and exhaust collector of the gas turbineenclosure shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The exhaust end connector 510 may be adjusted to accommodate and alignthe gas turbine exhaust stack 504 with the exhaust collector of the gasturbine enclosure. In operational mode, the exhaust end connector 510may move forward in a side direction, which is in the direction towardthe gas turbine enclosure. The exhaust end connector 510 may movebackward in the side direction, which is in the direction away from thegas turbine enclosure, when transitioning to the transportation mode.Other embodiments of the gas turbine exhaust stack 504 may have the gasturbine exhaust 508 and the exhaust end connector 510 connected as asingle component such that the exhaust end connector 510 and the gasturbine exhaust stack 504 are rotated together when transitioningbetween the transportation and operational modes.

In another embodiment, during transport, the gas turbine exhaust stack504 may be sectioned into a first section and a second section. Forexample, the first section may correspond to the gas turbine exhaust 508and the second section may correspond to the exhaust extension 506. Thefirst section of the gas turbine exhaust stack 508 may be in the uprightposition and the second section of the gas turbine exhaust stack 506 maybe mounted adjacent to the first section of the gas turbine exhaust fortransport. The first section and the second section may be hingedtogether such that the second section may be rotated up to stack on topof the first section for operation. In another embodiment, the gasturbine exhaust stack 504 may be configured such that the entire gasturbine exhaust stack 504 may be lowered or raised while mounted on theinlet and exhaust transport 500.

Typically, the air inlet filter housing 502 and gas turbine exhauststack 504 may be transported on separate transports and subsequentlycrane lifted onto the top of gas turbine enclosure and mounted on thegas turbine generator transport during operation mode. The separatetransports to carry the air inlet filter housing 502 and gas turbineexhaust stack 504 may not be used during operational mode. However, byadapting the air inlet filter housing 502 and gas turbine exhaust stack504 to be mounted on a single transport and to connect to at least oneof the sides of the gas turbine enclosure mounted on the gas turbinegenerator transport, the inlet and exhaust transport may be positionedalongside the gas turbine generator transport and subsequently connectthe air inlet and exhaust plenums for operations. The result is having arelatively quick rig-up and/or rig-down that eliminates the use of heavylift cranes, forklifts, and/or any other external mechanical means atthe operational site.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the two transportmobile electric power source 600 when in operational mode. FIG. 6illustrates a top-down-view of the coupling between the inlet andexhaust transport 500 and the gas turbine transport 400 duringoperational mode. The exhaust expansion connection 602 may move andconnect (e.g., using hydraulics 603) to the exhaust end connector 510without using external mechanical means in order to connect the gasturbine exhaust stack of the inlet and exhaust transport with theexhaust collector of the gas turbine generator transport. The inletexpansion connections 604 may move and connect respective ports (e.g.,503B and 503A in FIGS. 5A-5B) in the air inlet filter housing 502 of theinlet and exhaust transport 500 to the enclosure ventilation inlet 418and the inlet plenum 404 of the gas turbine generator transport 400,respectively. The two transports 400 and 500 may be parked at apredetermined orientation and distance such that the exhaust expansionconnection 602 and inlet expansion connections 604 are able to connectthe two transports 400 and 500.

In one embodiment, to adjust the positioning, alignment, and distance inorder to connect the two transports 400 and 500, each of the transports400 and 500 may include a hydraulic walking system. For example, thehydraulic walking system may move and align transport 500 into aposition without attaching the two transports 400 and 500 totransportation vehicles (e.g., a tractor or other type of motorvehicle). Using FIGS. 4 and 5 as an example, the hydraulic walkingsystem may comprise a plurality of outriggers and/or support feet 412used to move transport 400 and/or transport 500 back and forth and/orsideways. At each outrigger and/or support feet 412, the hydraulicwalking system may comprise a first hydraulic cylinder that lifts thetransport and a second hydraulic cylinder that moves the transport inthe designated orientation or direction. A hydraulic walking system onthe transport increases mobility by reducing the precision needed whenparking the two transports next to each other.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1100 to provide amobile source of electricity for fracturing operations. Method 1100 maystart at block 1102 by transporting a mobile source of electricity withother fracturing equipment to a well site that comprises a non-producingwell. Method 1100 may then move to block 1104 and convert the mobilesource of electricity from transportation mode to operational mode. Thesame transports may be used during the conversation from transportationmode to operational mode. In other words, transports are not addedand/or removed when setting up the mobile source of electricity foroperational mode. Additionally, method 1100 be performed without the useof a forklift, crane, and/or other external mechanical means totransition the mobile source of electricity into operational mode. Theconversion process for a two transport trailer is described in moredetail in FIGS. 4A-6 .

Method 1100 may then move to block 1106 and generate electricity usingthe mobile source of electricity to power fracturing operations at oneor more well sites. In one embodiment, method 1100 may generateelectricity by converting hydrocarbon fuel into electricity using a gasturbine generator. Method 1100 may then move to block 1108 and convertthe mobile source of electricity from operational mode to transportationmode. Similar to block 1104, the conversion process for block 1108 mayuse the same transports without using a forklift, crane, and/or otherexternal mechanical means to transition the mobile source of electricityback to transportation mode. Method 1100 may then move to block 1110 toremove the mobile source of electricity along with other fracturingequipment from the well site once fracturing operations are completed.

Fracturing Pump Transport

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams of embodiments of a fracturingpump transport 700 powered by the mobile source of electricity asdescribed in FIGS. 4A-6 . The fracturing pump transport 700 may includea prime mover 704 powering two separate pumps 702A and 702B. Bycombining a single prime mover 704 attached to two separate pumps 702Aand 702B on a transport, a fracturing operation may reduce the amount ofpump transports, prime movers, variable frequency drives (VFD's), groundiron, suction hoses, and/or manifold transports. Although FIGS. 7A and7B illustrates that the fracturing pump transport 700 supports a singleprime mover 704 power two separate pumps 702A and 702B, otherembodiments of the fracturing pump transport 700 may include a pluralityof prime movers 704 that each power the pumps 702A and 702B.

A “lay-down” trailer 710 design may provide mobility, improved safety,and enhanced ergonomics for crew members to perform routine maintenanceand operations of the pumps as the “lay-down” arrangement positions thepumps lower to the ground as the main trailer beams are resting on theground for operational mode. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the “lay-down”trailer 710 has an upper section above the trailer axles that could holdor have mounted the fracturing pump trailer power and control systems708. The fracturing pump trailer power and control system 708 maycomprise one or more electric drives, transformers, controls (e.g., aprogrammable logic controller (PLC) located on the fracturing pumptransport 700), and cables for connection to the drive power trailersand/or a separate electric pumper system. The electric drives mayprovide control, monitoring, and reliability functionality, such aspreventing damage to a grounded or shorted prime mover 704 and/orpreventing overheating of components (e.g., semiconductor chips) withinthe electric drives. The lower section, which may be positioned lowerthan the trailer axles, may hold or have mounted the prime mover 704 andthe pumps 702A and 702B attached on opposite sides of each other.

In one embodiment, the prime mover 704 may be a dual shaft electricmotor that has a shaft that protrudes on opposite sides of the electricmotor. The dual shaft electric motor may be any desired type ofalternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motor. In oneembodiment, the dual shaft electric motor may be an induction motor andin another embodiment the dual shaft electric motor may be a permanentmagnet motor. Other embodiments of the prime mover 704 may include otherelectric motors that are configured to provide about 5,000 HP or more.For example, the dual shaft electric motor may deliver motor power in arange from about 1,500 HP to about 10,000 HP. Specific to someembodiments, the dual shaft electric motor may be about a 5,000 HP ratedelectric motor or about a 10,000 HP electric motor. The prime mover 704may be driven by at least one variable frequency drive that is rated toa maximum of about 5,000 HP and may receive electric power generatedfrom the mobile source of electric power.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, one side of the prime mover 704 drives onepump 702A and the opposite side of the prime mover 704 drives a secondpump 702B. The pumps 702A and 702B are not configured in a seriesconfiguration in relation to the prime mover 704. In other words, theprime mover 704 independently drives each pump 702A and 702B such thatif one pump fails, it can be disconnected and the other pump cancontinue to operate. The prime mover 704, which could be a dual shaftelectric motor, eliminates the use of diesel engines and transmissions.Moreover, using a dual shaft electric motor on a transport may preventdissonance or feedback when transferring power to the pumps. In oneembodiment, the prime mover 704 may be configured to deliver at leastabout 5,000 HP distributed between the two pumps 702A and 702B. Forinstance, prime mover 704, which may be a dual shaft electric motor, mayprovide about 2,500 HP to one of the pumps 702A and about 2,500 HP tothe other pump 702B in order to deliver a total of about 5,000 HP. Otherembodiments may have the prime mover 704 deliver less than 5,000 HP ormore than 5,000 HP. For example, the prime mover 704 may deliver a totalof about 3,000 HP by delivering about 1,500 HP to one of the pumps andabout 1,500 HP to the other pump. Another example may have the primemover 704 deliver a total of about 10,000 HP by delivering about 5,000HP to one of the pumps 702A and about 5,000 HP to another pump 702B.Specifically, in one or more embodiments, the prime mover 704 mayoperate at HP ratings of about 3,000 HP, 3,500 HP, 4,000 HP, 4,500 HP,5,000 HP, 5,200 HP, 5,400 HP, 6,000 HP, 7,000 HP, 8,000 HP, 9,000 HP,and/or 10,000 HP.

The fracturing pump transport 700 may reduce the footprint of fracturingequipment on a well-site by placing two pumps 702A and 702B on a singletransport. Larger pumps may be coupled to a dual shaft electric motorthat operates with larger horse power to produce additional equipmentfootprint reductions. In one embodiment, each of the pumps 702A and 702Bmay be quintiplex pumps located on a single transport. Other embodimentsmay include other types of plunger style pumps, such as triplex pumps.The pumps 702A and 702B may each operate from a range of about 1,500 HPto about 5,000 HP. Specifically, in one or more embodiments, each of thepumps 702A and 702B may operate at HP ratings of about 1,500 HP, 1,750HP, 2,000 HP, 2,250 HP, 2,500 HP, 2,600 HP, 2,700 HP, 3,000 HP, 3,500HP, 4,000 HP, 4,500 HP, and/or 5,000 HP. The pumps 702A and 702B may notbe configured in a series configuration where the prime mover 704 drivesa first pump 702A and the first pump 702B subsequently drives a secondpump 702B.

The prime mover 704 and each of the pumps 702A and 702B may be mountedon sub-assemblies configured to be isolated and allow for individualremoval from the fracturing pump transport. In other words, the primemover 704 and each of the pumps 702A and 702B can be removed fromservice and replaced without shutting down or compromising otherportions of the fracturing system. The prime mover 704 and pumps 702Aand 702B may be connected to each other via couplings that aredisconnected when removed from the fracturing pump transport 700. If theprime mover 704 needs to be replaced or removed for repair, the primemover sub-assembly may be detached from the fracturing pump transport700 without removing the two pumps 702A and 702B from the fracturingpump transport. For example, pump 702A can be isolated from thefracturing pump transport 700, removed and replaced by a new pump 702A.If the prime mover 704 and/or the pumps 702A and 702B requires service,an operator can isolate the different components from the fluid lines,and unplug, un-pin, and remove the prime mover 704 and/or the pumps 702Aand 702B from the fracturing pump transport. Furthermore, each pump 702Aand 702B sub-assembly may be detached and removed from the fracturingpump transport 700 without removal of the other pump and/or the primemover 704. As such, the fracturing pump transport 700 may not need to bedisconnected from the manifold system and driven out of the location.Instead, replacement prime mover 704 and/or the pumps 702A and 702B maybe placed backed into the line and reconnected to the fracturing pumptransport 700.

To implement the independent removal of the sub-assemblies, the twopumps 702A and 702B may be coupled to the prime mover 704 using a driveline assembly 706 that is adapted to provide remote operation to engageor dis-engage one or both pumps 702A and 702B from the prime mover 704.The drive line assembly 706 may comprise one or more couplings and adrive shaft. For example, the drive line assembly 706 may comprise afixed coupling that connects to one of the pumps 702A or 702B and akeyed shaft 712. The keyed shaft 712 may interconnect the fixed couplingto a splined toothed coupling 714 that is attached to the prime mover704. To engage or dis-engage one or both pumps 702A and 702B from theprime mover 704, the spline toothed coupling 714 may include a splinedsliding sleeve coupling and a motor coupling that provides motor shaftalignment and provides for a hydraulic fluid powered for connection anddisconnection of the sliding sleeve motor and pump coupling. Otherembodiments of the couplings may include torque tubes, air clutches,electro-magnetic clutches, hydraulic clutches, and/or other clutches anddisconnects that have manual and/or remote operated disconnect devices.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1200 to pumpfracturing fluid into a wellhead. Method 1200 starts at block 1202 andreceives electric power to power at least one prime mover. The primemover may be a dual-shaft electric motor located on a fracturing pumptransport as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Method 1200 may then move toblock 1204 and receive fracturing fluid produced from one or moreblenders. In one embodiment, the blenders may be electric blenders thatincludes enclosed mixer hoppers.

Method 1200 then moves to block 1206 and drives one or more pumps usingthe at least one prime mover to pressurize the fracturing fluid. In oneembodiment the pumps may be positioned on opposite sides and may bedrive by single shaft from the dual-shaft electric motor drives bothpumps. In other words, when two pumps are operating, method 1200 maydrive the two pumps in a parallel configuration instead of a serialconfiguration. If one of the pumps are removed, method 1200 may continueto drive the remaining pump. Method 1200 may then move to block 1208 andpump the pressurized fracturing fluid into a wellhead.

Blender Transport

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a blendertransport 800 that includes an electric blender 806. FIG. 8A illustratesa top-down view of the blender transport 800 and FIG. 8B illustrates aside-profile view of the blender transport 800. The blender transport800 may be powered by the mobile source of electricity as described inFIGS. 1-6 . The electric blender 806 may be a dual configurationblender, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication2012/0255734, with a blending capacity of about 240 bpm. The dualconfiguration blender may comprise electric motors for all rotatingmachinery and may be mounted on a single transport. The dualconfiguration blender may have two separate blending units that areconfigured to be independent and redundant. For example, any one or boththe blending units may receive a source fluid via inlet manifolds of theblending units. The source fluid may originate from the same source ordifferent sources. The source fluid may subsequently be blended by anyone or both of the blending tub and subsequently discharged out of anyone or both outlet manifolds of the blending units. Other embodiments ofthe blender transport 800 may be single configuration blender thatincludes a single blending unit.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a “lay-down” trailer 802 design that providesmobility and improves ergonomics for the crew members that performroutine maintenance and operations of the electric blender 806 as the“lay-down” positions the blender tubs, pumps and piping lower to theground level and the main trailer beams are resting on the ground foroperational mode.

Similar to the “lay-down” trailer 710, the “lay-down” trailer 802 maycomprise an upper section above the trailer axles and a lower sectionbelow the trailer axles. In one embodiment, the electric blender 806 andassociated equipment on the trailer may be controlled and monitoredremotely via a control system network. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, ablender control system 804 that comprises a PLC, transformers and one ormore variable frequency drives are mounted on upper section of theblender transport 800. To provide remote control and monitoringfunctions, the network may interface and communicate with the PLC (e.g.,provide operating instructions), and the PLC may subsequently controlone or more variable frequency drives mounted on the blender trailer todrive one or more electric motors of the blender. Operating the blendertransport 800 remotely may eliminate equipment operators from beingexposed to hazardous environment and avoiding potential exposureconcentrated chemicals, silica dust, and rotating machinery. Forexample, a conventional blender transport typically includes a stationfor an operator to manually operate the blender. By remotely controllingusing the control network and blender control system 804, the stationmay be removed from the blender transport 800. Recall that a data vanmay act as a hub to provide the remote control and monitoring functionsand instructions to the blender control system 804.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a blendertransport 900 that includes an electric blender 902 with enclosed mixerhoppers 904. FIG. 9A illustrates a top-down view of the blendertransport 900 and FIG. 9B illustrates a side-profile view of the blendertransport 900. The electric blender 902 is substantially similar to theelectric blender 806 except that the electric blender 902 uses enclosedmixer hoppers 904 to add proppants and additives to the blending tub.FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate that the electric blender 902 is a dualconfiguration blender that includes two enclosed mixer hoppers 904powered by two electric motors, where each of the electric motors mayoperate an enclosed mixer hopper 904.

Blenders that comprises open hoppers and augers typically have theproppants (e.g., sand) and/or additives exposed to the weather elements.In situations where precipitation occurs at the well site, operators maycover the open hoppers and augers with drapes, tarps, and/or othercoverings to prevent the precipitation from contaminating the proppantsand/or additives. The enclosed mixer hopper 904 replaces the open hopperand augers typically included in a blender (e.g., electric blender 806in FIGS. 8A and 8B) with enclosed mixer hoppers 904 (FIGS. 9A and 9B).By replacing the open hopper and augers with enclosed mixer hoppers 904the blender transport 900 may have the advantages of dust freevolumetric proppant measurement, dust free mixing of proppant andadditives, moderate the transport of proppants, perform accuratevolumetric measurements, increase proppant transport efficiency with lowslip, prevent proppant packing from vibration, produce a consistentvolume independent of angle of repose, and meter and blend wet sand.Other advantages include the removal of gearboxes and increasing safetyfor operators with the enclosed drum.

Control Network System

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a control networksystem 1000 used to monitor, control, and communicate with a variety ofcontrol systems located at one or more well sites. FIG. 10 illustratesthat the control network system 1000 may be in a ring-topology thatinterconnects the control center 1002, blender transports 1004, chemicaladditive unit 1006, hydration unit 1008, and fracturing pump transports1012. A ring topology network may reduce the amount of control cablingused for fracturing operations and increase the capacity and speed ofdata transfers and communication. Additionally, the ring topology mayallow for two way communication and control by the control center 1002for equipment connected to the control network system 1000. For example,the control center may be able to monitor and control the otherfracturing equipment 1010 and third party equipment 1014 when added tothe control network system 1000, and for multiple pieces of equipment tocommunicate with each other. In other network topologies, such as a staror mesh topology, the other fracturing equipment 1010 and third partyequipment 1014 may be limited to one way communication where data istransmitted from the fracturing equipment 1010 and/or third partyequipment 1014 to the control center 1002, but not vice versa or betweendifferent pieces of equipment.

In one embodiment, the control network system 1000 may be a network,such as an Ethernet network that connects and communications with theindividual control systems for each of the fracturing equipment. Thecontrol center 1002 may be configured to monitor, control, and provideoperating instructions to the different fracturing equipment. Forexample, the control center 1002 may communicate with the VFDs locatedwithin the drive power transports 104 that operate and monitor thehealth of the electric motors used to drive the pumps on the fracturingpump transports 108. In one embodiment, the control center 1002 may beone or more data vans. More data vans may be used when the fracturingoperations include fracturing more than two wellheads simultaneously.

At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations,and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of theembodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art arewithin the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that resultfrom combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of theembodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Wherenumerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such expressranges or limitations may be understood to include iterative ranges orlimitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated rangesor limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.;greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). The use of the term“about” means±10% of the subsequent number, unless otherwise stated.

Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claimmeans that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is notrequired, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use ofbroader terms such as comprises, includes, and having may be understoodto provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consistingessentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scopeof protection is not limited by the description set out above but isdefined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalentsof the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim isincorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claimsare embodiment(s) of the present disclosure.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure,it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods might beembodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spiritor scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is notto be limited to the details given herein. For example, the variouselements or components may be combined or integrated in another systemor certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.

In addition, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other items shown or discussed as coupled or directly coupled orcommunicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicatingthrough some interface, device, or intermediate component whetherelectrically, mechanically, or otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing mobile electric power, thesystem comprising: a first transport including an inlet plenum, a gasturbine, an exhaust collector, and a generator, wherein the inlet plenumis in communication with an air intake of the gas turbine and theexhaust collector is in communication with an air exhaust of the gasturbine; and a second transport including an air inlet filter housing,wherein the first transport and the second transport are separatetransports that are independently movable in a transportation mode,wherein, in an operational mode, a first longitudinal facing side of thefirst transport faces a second longitudinal facing side of the secondtransport, and wherein, in the operational mode, the inlet plenum isconnectable to the air inlet filter housing between the firstlongitudinal facing side and the second longitudinal facing side.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first transport further comprises aturbine enclosure for housing the gas turbine, an inlet of the turbineenclosure being disposed on the first longitudinal facing side, whereina first port in communication with the air inlet filter housing isdisposed on the second longitudinal facing side of the second transport,and wherein, in the operational mode, the inlet of the turbine enclosureis connected to the first port between the first longitudinal facingside and the second longitudinal facing side.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein each of the first transport and the second transport includes ahydraulic walking system for positioning the first longitudinal facingside of the first transport at a predetermined distance and orientationrelative to the first second longitudinal facing side of the secondtransport.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the inlet plenum isdisposed on the first longitudinal facing side of the first transport,wherein a second port in communication with the air inlet filter housingis disposed on the second longitudinal facing side of the secondtransport, and wherein, in the operational mode, the inlet plenumcommunicates with the second port between the first longitudinal facingside and the second longitudinal facing side.
 5. The system of claim 4,further comprising at least one connection being configured tointerconnect at least one of: (i) the inlet of the turbine enclosurewith the first port between the first longitudinal facing side and thesecond longitudinal facing side, and (ii) the inlet plenum with thesecond port between the first longitudinal facing side and the secondlongitudinal facing side.
 6. The system of claim 2, further comprising aseparate exhaust stack including an exhaust end connector incommunication the separate exhaust stack, wherein the exhaust collectoris disposed on the first longitudinal facing side of the firsttransport, and wherein, in the operational mode, the exhaust collectorcommunicates with the exhaust end connector on the first longitudinalfacing side of the first transport.
 7. The system of claim 6, whereinthe separate exhaust stack has an exhaust passage, and the separateexhaust stack is configured to be movable between a first position and asecond position, the separate exhaust stack in the first position beinglowered, and the separate exhaust stack in the second position beingraised on the given transport and pointing the exhaust passagevertically, wherein, in the operational mode in the second position, atleast a part of the separate exhaust stack is configured to bepositioned above the exhaust end connector port of the separate exhauststack.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the separate exhaust stack,when positioned in the second position, is configured to place theexhaust passage in fluid communication with the exhaust collector viathe exhaust end connector.
 9. The system of claim 7, further comprisinga hinge and hydraulics permitting rotation between the first and secondpositions, the separate exhaust stack in the first position beinghorizontal on a transport.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprisingan auxiliary transport that is separately and independently movablerelative to the first and second transports, wherein the auxiliarytransport is an auxiliary gas turbine generator transport that isconfigured to generate electric power to at least one of start the gasturbine disposed on the first transport, and provide ancillary powerwhere peak electric power demand exceeds an electric power output of thegenerator disposed on the first transport.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein the electric power generated by the auxiliary gas turbinegenerator transport is in a range of 1-8 megawatts.
 12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the electric power generated by the generator disposedon the first transport is in a range of 15-35 megawatts.
 13. The systemof claim 1, wherein in the operational mode, the first longitudinalfacing side is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal facingside.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the second transport furthercomprises at least one expansion joint configured to: connect to thefirst transport in the operational mode without being supported by amechanical apparatus external to the second transport; and disconnectfrom the first transport to allow the first and second transports tomove independently relative to each other in the transportation mode.15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first transport further comprisesa generator breaker and a control system that, during operation,communicates with a control center via a network.